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8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder

By Carolyn Costin & Gwen Schubert Grabb

(Reviewed by Melissa Jordan, EDV Helpline & Online Chat Volunteer)

This absolutely brilliant book is written by two psychotherapists who have also both recovered from eating disorders themselves.

Carolyn Costin; founder of the Monte Nido treatment centres in the USA has been a prominent person amongst eating disorder professionals for decades and has also written previous books on the subject.  Carolyn, together with Gwen Schubert Grabb - once Carolyn’s patient and now a colleague - courageously share parts of their own eating disorder battles and insights about their own recoveries.  I have never read a book quite like this - it is very unique in that it offers the dual reflections of the therapist and patient but also the reflections of the therapist when she was a patient.

This book is structured in very easy to read, small sections.  For those who are struggling to read due to poor concentration, the small manageable sections make this a very easy book to pick up and put down whenever you need to.

The book comprises 8 chapters corresponding to the ‘8 Keys of Recovery’ on which the authors expand.  Each chapter consists of psychotherapy self-help information, numerous ‘Writing Assignments’ and personal reflections from the authors themselves and others.  The writing assignments, whilst some may find challenging, could be invaluable to someone who is going through their own battle with an eating disorder and could be ideal to take along to therapy sessions to work through.

What I really liked about this book is that it encourages readers (who may be battling with their own illness) to look introspectively to see what works for them.  It requires readers to examine their own values, goals and motivations - it does not follow a one-approach-suits-all mentality nor does it prescribe the exact way ALL clients will recover.  What it does do is encourage patients to examine their own illness and their own recovery and to use segments of the book to help them in working on the necessary behaviour change and cognitive restructuring that needs to occur relevant to their situation.

I believe this would also be an invaluable resource for professionals, particularly the writing assignments could be given as “Homework” to go through in therapy sessions.  Families and friends of loved ones with an eating disorder may also find this book useful - to understand the inner battles of the mind of one with an eating disorder and the necessary things that need to be worked through or encouraged to facilitate recovery.

More than anything - for all the above reader groups - this book promotes HOPE.  It exudes positive strategies, is not triggering - with no triggering photos, numbers etc - and reminds readers that even the most difficult, long-standing cases can achieve recovery.

I could honestly say this is the best eating disorder book I have read and I think it would be absolutely invaluable to those battling an eating disorder.

Suitable for:

Any adult audience including those suffering from an eating disorder, their friends and family and professionals who treat those with eating disorders.

Recommended reading for:

EVERYONE suffering from an eating disorder including those who are well on the way to being recovered and any professionals who treat these illnesses.